Namibia

Namibia is a land of incredible contrasts, from towering dunes to rugged mountain ranges, vast savannah plains to dramatic coastlines. It is a land of breathtaking natural beauty and diverse wildlife. However, it can be challenging, especially for travelers whose idea of a vacation is dashing from one sight to another or those who need regular fixes of bustling cityscapes or fast-paced sightseeing tours.  Namibia demands patience; it is a sparsely populated country. We encounter long stretches of road with nothing in sight and little or no service. It is imperative to plan your route, carry enough fuel, have plenty of water and snacks, and prepare for the considerable distances between towns. Our road trip in Namibia involved many rough, unpaved gravel roads that required careful navigation. Take an SUV or a 4×4 to explore remote areas or tackle challenging terrain. We got stuck with Jimny!  I was terrified to see our rental, a Suzuki Jimny, for the first time. What is this? I can’t drive this clunky Jeep-like thing! However, the other SUV choices were much larger, heavier to operate, not to mention vastly more expensive. And they told us that my 22-year-old son, Nathan, could not drive a rental in Namibia. After talking to the manager and Nathan about the Jimny, we decided I would drive it the whole time.  So, I did all the driving. It was quite a bit of driving! We started the trip in Windhoek, the capital city of Namibia. Then, we drove north to Etosha National Park. Then, we drove southwest to Swakopmund on the coast, Sesriem to Sossusvlei, and Keetmanshoop before ending in Windhoek. And there were plenty of stops along the way! Namibia is home to diverse wildlife; we encountered many animals on the roads, including many exotic animals. Be cautious, particularly during dawn and dusk, when animals are more active. It is advisable not to drive when it is dark, and it is more likely than not a violation of your rental policy and insurance. Follow the rules, and you will be safe. At times, Nathan would fall asleep. He was my GPS on this road trip! I wanted him to be awake to tell me if we were close to our next exit or if I might miss it in these vast stretches of land! Occasionally, I would yell, Hey Nathan, “LOOK, a different kind of nothingness!” The harsh landscape would shift from barren scrubland to giant rocks that looked like God had forgotten to straighten them. But if you fly across the country, you’ll miss the charm of this place’s isolation.  As our clunky Jimny navigated the unpaved gravel road, the crunching of the gravel beneath its tires created a rough and hearty noise. The suspension system was tested repeatedly as the vehicle jolted and bounced over uneven terrain in windy conditions, making the drive feel like an off-road adventure. Jimny’s engine roared with determination, powering through the difficulties in its path. I gripped the steering wheel with so much force, feeling the vibrations from the road and the sound of my pounding heart.  As Jimny maneuvers through the terrain’s twists and turns, the suspension creaks and groans, desperately adapting to the unpredictable landscape, leaving a trail of adventure behind. Jimny’s design was evident as it confidently navigated the unpaved road. The poor Jimny needed help throughout the drive, particularly on the rocky, unpaved gravel roads, where more traction would have been excellent.  Namibia may not be your destination if you cannot live without an internet connection. The e-sim we purchased did not work because our 5G data was incompatible with their 3G infrastructure—an issue that others using the same e-sim had documented online. Even if it worked, we had a weak or no connection, especially on the road. We carried a satellite phone for emergencies. Our GPS and navigation systems were nearly useless except for our first preloaded directions of the day at our accommodations. Luckily, we packed a paper map of Namibia and planned our routes at home.  The upside is that we are disconnected from the outside world, which can be a daunting experience these days! Driving etiquette and rules differ from those in the United States. They drive on the left side of the road and move to the right lane when passing. Always turn the lights on when on the road, even during the day, or you will see flashing high-beam lights from cars coming your way. I am constantly reminded of this, as I often forget to turn on the headlights! On the last stretch of the drive to Windhoek to return the car, Jimny struggles to accelerate on the mountain pass, especially on steep inclines. As I painfully try to get past the first steep incline, it quickly becomes evident that Jimny needs more power to climb the slope efficiently. The car’s speed drops significantly. What used to be a comfortable cruising pace on flat terrain now turns into a slow, arduous crawl up the steep grades. The winding road continues with tight turns and hairpin bends, and every kilometer requires me to brake and then carefully accelerate again, a task that becomes increasingly difficult for Jimny and me. The lightness of the Jimny makes it feel like we are getting blown away, and I have to drive even slower.  My anxiety had built up, and my struggles were real, telling Nathan I couldn’t do this. With my heart pounding and hands sweating, I tightly gripped the steering wheel as we ascended every kilometer. When we reached the higher elevation, the fierce wind grew increasingly relentless. My panic persisted as the gust swayed and pounded our jeep. I held onto the wheel tightly, struggling to keep the jeep on course as the howling wind forced me to slow down to a crawl. There is nothing I can do at this point but to press on. I know I can! And I am determined to make it past the summit. The

Adventure Drive to Swakopmund: 4Wheeling in the Sand Dunes The drive from Etosha National Park to Swakopmund offers a fascinating transition from the arid savannah landscapes to the coastal desert toward the Atlantic Ocean. This drive covers a considerable 500 kilometers. The drive was arduous, and we were the only cars on the road for hours. The landscape changes dramatically along the way. The Jimny keeps chugging along, and its rugged wheels grip Namibia’s endless gravel road. The drive never ceases to enthrall and inspire, even though the horizon is farther than you can see. As we venture southwest, the terrain gradually transforms into a scene of rugged mountains and dramatic rock formations. The never-ending gravel road stretches ahead, cutting through the heart of the Namib Desert, where the shifting sands create an ever-changing mosaic of dunes and shadows. The only sound in the eerie silence of the desert’s vastness is the soft hum of the Jimny tires on the gravel. We tried to find local radio stations, saving our phone batteries, but only found deafeningly unexpected American music on the radio; it was Bruno Mars’s song, ‘Grenade.’ Approaching Swakopmund, the distant sound of the Atlantic Ocean becomes a soothing melody, and the temperature drops nicely, signaling the proximity to the coast. The landscape undergoes another metamorphosis as the dunes give way to the seaside town’s cool breezes and misty air. Swakopmund emerges on the horizon with its colonial architecture and palm-lined streets, a refreshing oasis between the desert and the Atlantic Ocean. Desert Breeze is our Swakopmund home, offering an uninterrupted view of the ancient Namib Desert. The resort is a short drive from central Swakopmund. Its position above the Swakop River overlooks the apricot dune sea and offers the ultimate desert experience.  One of the world’s oldest deserts, the Namib Desert, meets the Atlantic Ocean in northern Namibia. Namib translates to “vast place,” a suitable description for the miles of beach and dunes this collision stretches along. During our stay in Swakop, we hired a driver and guide via our accommodations. Our first stop was to see the Zeila ‘shipwreck’ along Namibia’s Skeleton Coast. The Zeila was a fishing trawler sold as scrap metal to an Indian company. On its way to Bombay, India, the fishing vessel became stranded after it came loose from its towing line. The scrapping company decided to forget about it, letting it drift to its final resting place on the coast of Namibia. Then, we drove down to Walvis Bay Lagoon to see the flamingos. The Walvis Bay lagoon is a Ramsar wetland of international importance, providing crucial habitat for a diverse range of bird species, including many flamingos. The flamingos in Walvis Bay are predominantly Greater Flamingos. These elegant birds are known for their distinctive pink plumage, long necks, and characteristic bill shape. The pink colors of the flamingos result from pigments in the food they consume, such as algae and crustaceans, which contain carotenoids. The Namibian coastline is 1,400 kilometers long. There are only two natural harbors, Lüderitz Bay and Walvis Bay; the rest is a barren coast with no fresh water and plenty of fog, appropriately named the “Skeleton Coast.”  The fun began when we started four-wheeling on the high dunes of Sandwich Harbor, where the Namib desert meets the cold waters of the South Atlantic Ocean. We drove on the narrow beach between the dunes and the waves of the Atlantic Ocean. I never thought we would get through these narrows; it was exhilarating! You can only navigate these strips at low tide. At high tide, the ocean reclaims the stretch of beach and eliminates all traces of vehicles. We were lucky; it was a perfect day! The dunes were breathtaking. Our 4×4 went straight down, across, and back up like a rollercoaster. It is an exhilarating and immersive experience that allows us to explore the stunning landscapes, unique ecosystems, and diverse wildlife of one of the world’s oldest deserts. The experience was truly exhilarating! Sandwich Harbour boasts two distinct wetlands and associated mudflats. One is aquifer-fed and supports typical emergent vegetation but is slowly disappearing due to natural causes. Under the tidal influence, the second consists of mudflats and raised shingle bars. Wedged between the sea and the Namib Dunes, it is one of Namibia’s most important coastal wetlands, supporting eight endangered species among many wading birds. We saw the lagoon area from one of the many beautiful lookout spots and had time to walk and explore. We had lots of time to stop along the way to take pictures.  We climbed the high dunes for a spectacular view of Sandwich Harbor Lagoon. Sand waterfalls result from the “cliffs” of sand that the ocean’s high tide waves have created, eroding once more with the sun and wind. High tides can hamper access to the lagoon, but today is a wonderful day.  We saw springbok, ostrich, jackals, and raptors such as Peregrine Falcons, Pale Chanting Goshawks, and Black-breasted Snake Eagles. We passed the remnants of an abandoned town, now buried up to the roof in the sand, with waves washing away any remaining wood structures.  Finally, we found the perfect spot to take a lunch break. Our guide prepared our lunch on a folding table and chairs at the beach. We picked up a box of freshly harvested oysters from Nami Oysters. The oysters are delicious; you can taste the ocean with every bite! Recommendations: The Desert Breeze Resort is one of the best places we have stayed in Namibia. Our room had big windows with a fantastic view of the Namib Desert. Our deck overlooks the desert, a path that leads down to the dunes, and an area across the riverbed where you can enjoy your sundowner on the dune. The chef deliciously prepared breakfast the next day, including our accommodations. Author: CristyPhoto Credit: Nathan Latest Post All Posts Blog The Maha Kumbh Mela: A Journey of Faith and Endurance Read More The Maha Kumbh Mela Day 1:

Namibia’s Quiver Trees: Icons of Survival and Beauty The drive from Sesriem to Keetmanshoop in Namibia spans a considerable distance through the country’s arid and scenic landscapes. The distance between Sesriem and Keetmanshoop is approximately 500 kilometers. The drive typically takes 5 to 6 hours by car, depending on road conditions and speed. It took us 8 hours to get to Quiver Tree Forest, with a quick stop for lunch in Maltahohe.  Leaving behind the mesmerizing dunes of Sossusvlei and the gravel road, the next destination unfolds as a visual narrative, revealing the ever-changing beauty of Namibia’s diverse scenery. The red dunes gradually give way to the rocky plains and sparse vegetation. The occasional acacia tree flanks the open road as it stretches ahead, its silhouette casting elongated shadows in the desert sun. As the long drive continues, the terrain evolves into a display of rocky boulders and ancient riverbeds, creating a dramatic backdrop against the expansive sky. The gravel road winds through the rugged terrain, and the Jimny keeps chugging. Approaching Keetmanshoop, the scenery undergoes another magical transformation. The Quiver Tree Forest feels like entering a botanical wonderland, with the sun casting a warm glow on the succulent leaves of the quiver trees. Massive granite boulders dotted the landscape, adding to the ethereal atmosphere of this natural marvel. Quietly standing alone, surrounded by hot stones, in a lonely and dry desert (yes, I am a Quiver Tree in a desert indeed.)   Quiver trees, also known as kokerbooms, are native to the southern parts of Africa. They are prevalent in the arid regions of Namibia, South Africa, and Botswana. In Namibia, the Quiver Tree Forest, located in the Keetmanshoop region, is a famous and distinctive site where these trees are prevalent. They are well-adapted to survive in harsh, arid environments and are known for their unique appearance with branching trunks and succulent leaves. Symbolizing strength and resilience, quiver trees serve as a unifying emblem, drawing people together through their rarity and the admiration they inspire. We lodged at the Quiver Tree Rest Camp, a charming establishment owned by a German couple. Our accommodation included a continental breakfast and dinner. They served Oryx for dinner, which did not appeal to me. Throughout this trip, Nathan tried various game meats and added Oryx to his adventurous culinary experience! He described the taste as rich and tender, akin to the taste of high-quality beef but with a more pronounced gamey undertone.  And here is what an oryx looks like! The Quiver Tree Forest is literally in the backyard of the rest camp. Opting for an additional stargazing experience, we paid an extra 1000 ND for two people (approximately $55). The purchase allowed us to drive to the forest at night, pitch dark with no light pollution, marveling at the celestial spectacle of stars and witnessing the breathtaking beauty of the Milky Way. People must feel that the natural world is important and valuable, beautiful and wonderful, and an amazement and a pleasure. David Attenborough (English broadcaster) Author: Cristy Photo Credit: Nathan Latest Post All Posts Blog The Maha Kumbh Mela: A Journey of Faith and Endurance Read More The Maha Kumbh Mela Day 1: Immersed in the Sea of Humanity Read More The Maha Kumbh Mela Day 2: Our Journey Beyond the Sangam Read More The Maha Kumbh Mela Day 2: A Sacred Dip and A Holy Parade Read More Serendipity in Jaipur: A Journey Back in Time Read More Jaipur: A City of Temples, Thalis, and Timeless Chaos Read More Savoring Jaipur: The Ultimate Rajasthani Thali Experience Read More Daily Turmoil: The Unchanging, Timeless Chaos of Jaipur Read More When Plans Fall Apart: Embracing the Unknown in India Read More

From Salt Pan Serenity to Safari Wonders: The Ultimate Etosha Adventure Our first stop is Etosha National Park. As we left Windhoek, the vastness of Namibia unfolded right before our eyes. The landscape transformed with every kilometer, from the rolling hills surrounding Windhoek to the expansive plains leading to Etosha National Park. We pass by acacia trees casting drawn-out shadows that stretch across the terrain. The occasional silhouette of wildlife on the horizon added a touch of anticipation, as if the road held the promise of encounters with the wild. Dark clouds followed us to Etosha, with lightning and occasional bursts of heavy rain. Our trusted companion, Jimny, navigated the winding roads with a not-so-sturdy grade. Its clunky frame weaves through the vastness like a clumsy explorer wavering on a wacky trail. Etosha National Park is one of Africa’s oldest and largest national parks. Etosha means the ‘great white area’ and refers to the vast salt pan. This is Africa’s largest salt pan—an impressive sight! The water pools in the pan attract hundreds of flamingos, but we only saw them at a distance—a rarer sight at that time. Visitors typically gather at the waterholes to witness animals coming to drink, but there were only a few due to the recent rain. Oryx on the move Wildebeest stopping for a drink A baby zebra resting Springbok on the road Our best view of a lion here! A pair of ostriches looking for a drink Giraffes and Springbok on the horizon Birdspotting! A jackal trying to cool off A wildebeest nursing a newborn Rhino spotted! Grazing wildebeest You can self-drive in the park or book a game drive organized through the camp. We hired a local guide, Franz, whom we met while talking to the locals at the entrance gate. He works for a local company in Okaukuejo. We hired him for three days to take us on a three-day game drive with the only goal of spotting the Big Four (Lion, Rhino, Elephant, and Leopard). What about the African buffalo? Well, you can only find African buffalo in Caprivi and Kavango.  Unfortunately, in Etosha, we only saw two of the Big Four. We spotted a lion and two rhinos! We spent three days looking for the leopard but only saw gemsbok, giraffes, zebras, rhinos, flamingos, and various antelope species. We had also just missed a cheetah coalition twice by mere minutes. An oryx in the brush A lone red hartebeest https://mibellamondo.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Etosha-Sunset-2.mp4 One evening, as the sun descended over Etosha National Park, the landscape transformed into a breathtaking vision that exceeded our expectations. We had initially ventured into the waterhole with the simple intention of contemplating and enjoying the evening sky. We waited to see if animals would turn up for water. But what we witnessed was truly extraordinary! The sky, a canvas of warm hues, transitions from a brilliant azure to a soft, golden embrace. Wisps of clouds catch fire, painted in shades of coral and rose, casting a celestial ballet against the canvas of the heavens. Armed only with our iPhones, we felt unprepared to capture such a magnificent scene, as we had left our cameras in the room. However, the iPhone captured the stunning colors and expansive beauty that unfolded before us. Capturing this video on our iPhone immortalized the moment, which is what Mi Bella Mondo is all about. This video tells the story of that magical evening, a perfect reminder of nature’s unplanned yet unforgettable displays. Recommendations: Staying in the park is highly recommended. We stayed at the Okaukuejo Camp inside Etosha National Park. The park has six camps. We chose to stay at Okaukuejo because it was easier to get in and out of Okaukuejo to our next destination. You can stay at the premier waterhole chalets, which overlook the floodlit waterhole, or in a bush chalet, a family chalet, or a double room. You can include the meals and game drive when you book or wait until you get to the camp. We had a double room with plenty of space for two people and a very nice air conditioner.  Okaukuejo Camp offers one of the best waterholes in the park. Although we were there during the rainy season, we did not see a lot of animals in the waterhole. We still, however, saw plenty around the park. The thick, fresh foliage made it difficult, but they were around. The high season is from May to September; the best time to go is when animals seek out the waterholes. Book your accommodations directly through the park’s website.  https://etoshanationalpark.co.za/ After you send out a booking request form, you will receive an email from one of their agents stating that you are provisionally booked. Your booking is only confirmed once you send the payments. They will confirm your reservation when payment is received. Make sure you keep the receipt, just in case! If you want to help out a local guide, you can call/text Franz through WhatsApp. He is responsible, easygoing, and always on time. He even brought a spotter on the third day because I was desperate to find a leopard! Although we didn’t find one, we saw many animals on the first two days with him, and his spotter spotted a rhino napping in a deep-shaded tree right next to the road we almost drove past! He went above and beyond what we had asked them to do. His WhatsApp number is +264-812058487.  Author: CristyPhoto Credit: Nathan Latest Post All Posts Blog The Maha Kumbh Mela: A Journey of Faith and Endurance Read More The Maha Kumbh Mela Day 1: Immersed in the Sea of Humanity Read More The Maha Kumbh Mela Day 2: Our Journey Beyond the Sangam Read More The Maha Kumbh Mela Day 2: A Sacred Dip and A Holy Parade Read More Serendipity in Jaipur: A Journey Back in Time Read More Jaipur: A City of Temples, Thalis, and Timeless Chaos Read More Savoring Jaipur: The Ultimate Rajasthani Thali Experience Read More Daily Turmoil: The Unchanging, Timeless Chaos of Jaipur Read

Sossusvlei: Journey to the Heart of the Namib Desert Some places defy description through mere words or pictures. Sossusvlei is one such place. I could post hundreds of photos of our time in Sossusvlei, but they would not accurately depict the mesmerizing landscapes we saw with our eyes. No Nat Geo programs or pictures can compare to the sheer beauty of this place. As the Jimny pulled up to the entrance of Sossusvlei, the towering dunes stood as a majestic reminder of Namibia’s timeless desert landscapes. Filled with anticipation, we drove to Sossusvlei at 4 a.m. the following day, before the park opened. Sossusvlei is a 40-minute drive from Sesriem. The park gate opens at 6 a.m., but if you stay inside, you can enter the secondary gate an hour before the main entrance opens. Watching the sunrise above the blood-red dunes of Sossusvlei is one of the highlights of our Namibian adventure. Sossusvlei is a place where Namibia’s desert’s vastness is overwhelming and achingly beautiful. It is a hyperbole of nature—one of the most beautiful places I have ever seen. I can’t possibly do justice to the Namib Desert’s epic scenery. It’s a sight that demands to be seen with one’s own eyes. The Namib-Naukluft Park in Namibia is home to the world’s oldest desert. In the heart of Namib-Naukluft Park lies Sossusvlei, a photogenic clay pan surrounded by some of the tallest dunes in the world. Encompassing nearly 50,000 square kilometers of pristine wilderness, the park boasts some of Africa’s most stunning scenery, making it a remarkable desert landscape. The dunes are also around 1,312 feet high, almost as high as the Empire State Building. The best times to explore the dunes are in the morning or late afternoon when the crowds are thin, the colors intensify, and the heat is more bearable. Be sure to take enough water, as it gets scorching hot, and the walk can be challenging. Sometimes, it feels like the dunes belong solely to you, inviting exploration and reflection. Ascending the 325-meter orange dunes offers a surreal experience, providing panoramic views reminiscent of the Martian landscape. Adjacent to Big Daddy is Deadvlei, which captivates with its cracked clay pan and the remnants of Namibia’s desert-adapted Camelthorn Trees. This surreal landscape, formed from the shifting sands and dry climate, offers a glimpse into the ever-changing nature of the desert. The skeletons of the trees are said to have died some 600 to 700 years ago and are now found to be black because of the scorching sun. The trees are dead because the dunes blocked the flooded waters of the Tsauchab River, but they did not decompose due to the dry climate. The red dunes in the area are thousands of years old, and the land has barely rusted.  “The primary environmental threats the area is experiencing are the low amount of water and the arid and humid climate caused by the scorching heat. The white clay pan in Deadvlei is now turning into a concrete floor, and the photographers posing for photographs in the area, especially the trees, need to be extra cautious because the trees are nearly dead.” – WorldAtlas.com Big Daddy, the world’s tallest dune, lies just behind Deadvlei. Soaring 325 meters above the surrounding landscape, it is one of Namibia’s most popular hiking destinations.  Elim Dune is located 5 kilometers inside the park gate and is easily accessible. It’s partially covered in vegetation, making it more distinct from other dunes. It’s a perfect location for sunrise, when you can watch the daybreak over Sesriem and the mountains to the east. For those with time to spare, Sesriem Canyon is worth a visit. The Tschaub River shaped it over millions of years, and it’s one of the few places in the area with year-round water. The mighty Tsauchab River carved a narrow gorge millions of years ago, and its towering sandstone walls offer relief from the scorching sun. It’s located 4.5 km within the national park gates, on the left, and you can park and walk through the canyon. Make sure you lock your car. Please beware of the resident baboons, who eagerly await unsuspecting visitors to raid their vehicles for food.  Dune 45 is one of the most photographed dunes in the world, known for its stunning views of the parched earth. Despite not being the tallest dune in Sossusvlei, it attracts many tourists due to its proximity to the road, relatively gentle slope, and breathtaking vistas. We returned to this dune to watch the sunset. Located 45 kilometers from the Sesriem gate, Dune 45 provided a mesmerizing experience, even though the afternoon was a bit hazy. We stayed until sunset before returning to the campsite, only to realize we had forgotten that the Sesriem gate closed at 7:30 PM. We raced back, unsure of what would happen if we missed the closing time, and arrived at the gate just in time at 7:29 PM. The Jimny did it! Sossusvlei isn’t merely a destination; it’s an unforgettable journey through one of the world’s most extraordinary landscapes, where nature’s grandeur reigns supreme! Author: CristyPhoto Credit: Nathan Latest Post All Posts Blog The Maha Kumbh Mela: A Journey of Faith and Endurance Read More The Maha Kumbh Mela Day 1: Immersed in the Sea of Humanity Read More The Maha Kumbh Mela Day 2: Our Journey Beyond the Sangam Read More The Maha Kumbh Mela Day 2: A Sacred Dip and A Holy Parade Read More Serendipity in Jaipur: A Journey Back in Time Read More Jaipur: A City of Temples, Thalis, and Timeless Chaos Read More Savoring Jaipur: The Ultimate Rajasthani Thali Experience Read More Daily Turmoil: The Unchanging, Timeless Chaos of Jaipur Read More When Plans Fall Apart: Embracing the Unknown in India Read More

Solitaire’s Mystique: A Fascinating Drive from Swakopmund to Sesriem The drive from Swakopmund to Sesriem along the gravel road unfolds like a cinematic odyssey, revealing the raw beauty of Namibia’s hinterlands. The transition from the coastal haven of Swakopmund to the heart of the Namib Desert is a visual masterpiece, and each kilometer traversed introduces another chapter to our Namibia story.  As the Jimny’s wheels kiss the gravel, the coastal breeze of Swakopmund gradually yields to the barren embrace of the Namib Desert. The gravel road stretches ahead, a sinuous ribbon weaving through an otherworldly landscape of rolling hills and vast horizons. The colors are more intense, painting the surroundings in hues of burnt sienna, ochre, and dusty gold. As we continue the drive, the ever-changing panorama includes occasional encounters with gemsboks, antelopes, and springboks gracefully navigating the arid terrain. Ancient, weathered mountains stand as silent sentinels, their rugged peaks mirroring the resilience of the desert itself.  Stopping in Solitaire  Solitaire, a small town in the heart of the Namib Desert, exudes a quirky and nostalgic charm, creating a captivating oasis in the arid expanse.  As we approach Solitaire, the landscape shifts, revealing the iconic red dunes in the distance. The first sign of Solitaire emerges like a mirage: a collection of weathered cars, vibrant desert flowers, and the iconic red-and-white gas station.  The atmosphere transports us to a bygone era as we arrive at Solitaire. Rusted cars dot the desert landscape, reminiscent of America’s Route 66. The solitary petrol station, a beacon in the vastness, serves as a stop for fuel and whimsical photographs. The locals, known for their warm hospitality, share a few laughs, leaving an enduring mark on our visit. We quickly stopped at Solitaire for gas, lunch, and an apple pie to reach our next destination. As we left Solitaire and resumed our drive to Sesriem, the memories of this desert lingered, adding a touch of anticipation of what awaited us at the world-famous dunes. Author: CristyPhoto Credit: Nathan Latest Post All Posts Blog The Maha Kumbh Mela: A Journey of Faith and Endurance Read More The Maha Kumbh Mela Day 1: Immersed in the Sea of Humanity Read More The Maha Kumbh Mela Day 2: Our Journey Beyond the Sangam Read More The Maha Kumbh Mela Day 2: A Sacred Dip and A Holy Parade Read More Serendipity in Jaipur: A Journey Back in Time Read More Jaipur: A City of Temples, Thalis, and Timeless Chaos Read More Savoring Jaipur: The Ultimate Rajasthani Thali Experience Read More Daily Turmoil: The Unchanging, Timeless Chaos of Jaipur Read More When Plans Fall Apart: Embracing the Unknown in India Read More